The Malaysian outfit was also surrounded by controversies as their star footballer Ramez Dayoub was slapped with a life ban by the Lebanese FA for alleged match fixing only 24 hours before the match.

Bakti revealed that the team got the official confirmation of the ban at the lunchtime, just before the match, and were hence forced to change their game plan at the last minute.

Ramez Dayoub

"The club will support Dayoub in the process (ban). We told him not to visit the ground, but he was mentally strong enough to come here with the team. He will certainly appeal against the decision and the club will give him all the necessary support," he said.

Irfan Bakti however chose not to make any further comments on Dayoub's ban as he remarked that he is not in a position to justify the allegation, adding that it is best for the concerned authorities to confirm the match-fixing allegations.

The 61-year-old also looked concerned about the replacement of Dayoub, in case the Lebanese defender actually faces the life ban.

"Yes, he is our fourth foreigner. Our Secreatry told me to look for new foreigners in case he gets banned.

"In Malaysian football, if a player gets banned, you can replace him with a new recruit. We are looking forward to that," Irfan said.

However, the coach was not sure whether they can take a replacement in the AFC Cup. The question will however remain if the new player will be eligible to partake in the club's AFC Cup assignments.

Shifting focus to the match against the Red and Gold, given the performance of Lalrindika Ralte and Sanju Pradhan, the Red Giants coach was all praises over East Bengal midfielders.

"They killed us," he exclaimed.

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